Walking the tightrope - How Women over 40 Balance it All

Walking the Tightrope: How Women Over 40 Balance It All

Have you ever felt like you were in a circus, walking a tightrope while juggling four different balls in the air, and at any moment you're about to fall off the edge and drop them all?

That’s kinda how my week felt.

It started off Saturday night when my dad wasn’t feeling well and ended up in the ER.

Then, just as spring break was ending and it was time to go back to work, my dog started acting weird, throwing up, and I’ll spare you the rest of the messy details (literally).

So, off to the vet we went after being up all night with my sick pup.

As if that weren’t enough, my mom has an outpatient surgery coming up early next week, and I’ve been helping her sort out paperwork and medications to prepare her for that.

Not to mention work, helping my daughter with college scholarship applications, and attempting to eat healthy and work out.

All this in a week that I decided to give up my nightly glass of wine!

As women over 40, we are balancing it all—work, family, bills, extracurriculars, community service, making dinner, grocery shopping, laundry, and cleaning—all while trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle so we can look and feel our best.

And some weeks, it is downright exhausting.

So how do we find time for ourselves in the midst of all this responsibility and chaos swirling around us?

The answer is—we have to make ourselves a priority.

Stress Management: A Must for the Busy Woman Over 40

After my stressful week, I woke up with a stress pimple on my chin the size of Mount Everest and another few grey hairs that sprouted on my head. It is absolutely NOT fair that we should be getting zits, wrinkles AND grey hair at the same time. Hence my trip to both the salon and the Skin Center this week.

But - I digress.

Stress is a constant companion for busy women, but it doesn’t have to control us. Managing stress is critical not only for your mental well-being but also for your physical health. Prolonged stress can lead to burnout, poor sleep, and weight gain—all issues we’d rather avoid.

Here are a few strategies to manage stress:

1. Practice Mindfulness: Carve out just 5–10 minutes a day for deep breathing or mindfulness meditation. It sounds simple, but it makes a world of difference. Apps like Calm or Headspace can help guide you through this process.

2. Prioritize Sleep: I know, I know—sleep is a luxury we rarely get. But proper rest is key to keeping stress in check. Try to establish a relaxing bedtime routine, even if it means saying goodbye to screen time 30 minutes before bed.

3. Delegate and Ask for Help: This is huge. We are not superwomen, and it’s okay to ask for help. Whether it’s asking your spouse to pitch in with the laundry or reaching out to a friend to take the kids to soccer practice, delegation can lighten the load.

4. Say No When You Need To: Sometimes, the best way to prioritize your mental health is by Embracing the Power to Say No to extra commitments. Whether it’s declining an invite to a work event or opting out of a volunteer role, saying no helps you protect your time and energy for the things that matter most.

Prioritizing Self-Care: Small Steps Make a Big Impact

Let’s be real: self-care isn't just about spa days (although those are nice). It’s about incorporating small habits into your daily routine that nurture both your body and mind. These little acts of self-care can help you feel more balanced and less overwhelmed.

Here are some simple ways to prioritize self-care:

1. Movement Matters: Find an exercise routine that works for you. It doesn’t have to be an hour at the gym; it could be a 20-minute walk during lunch or a quick yoga session in your living room. The goal is to keep your body moving and your mind clear.

2. Meal Prep for the Win: With everything going on, it can be tempting to grab fast food or skip meals altogether. Instead, plan ahead by meal prepping healthy options for the week. This can save you time and keep your nutrition on track. You can check out my Meal Prep 101 post, which includes easy, healthy recipes that fit into a hectic lifestyle. These meal prep ideas are not only convenient but also help you stay on top of your health goals even when life is chaotic.

3. Take Time for Yourself—Even if it’s Just 10 Minutes: Whether it’s enjoying a cup of coffee before the chaos begins or reading a chapter of your favorite book, find a few moments each day to center yourself. You deserve it.

4. Embrace Imperfection: Here’s a little secret I’ve learned: life doesn’t have to be perfect. There will always be dishes in the sink, laundry piling up, and emails to answer. The key is not to let those things consume you. Give yourself grace when things aren’t perfectly in place. For more on embracing progress, not perfection, check out my post on Progress, Not Perfection, where I talk about letting go of unrealistic expectations and learning to appreciate small wins.

Finding Balance: The Tightrope Walk of Life

Life as a woman over 40 isn’t easy, especially when you're juggling work, family, personal health, and everything in between. But it’s also a beautiful thing to be in a season where you know yourself better than ever, and you’re equipped to handle the chaos life throws at you.

By practicing mindfulness, prioritizing self-care, and setting boundaries, we can create a life that feels more balanced and less stressful.

Remember: You are allowed to take up space. You are allowed to say no. You are allowed to rest.

Because, my friend, you can't pour from an empty cup. Make yourself a priority—because you’re worth it.